The present review discusses challenges, perspectives, and current needs of delivering bioactive compounds (BCs) using soft particulate matters (SPMs) for gut health. SPMs can entrap BCs for incorporation in foods, preserve their bioactivities during processing, storage, and gastrointestinal digestion, and deliver BCs to functioning sites in the colon. To enable these functions, physical, chemical, and biological properties of BCs are integrated in designing various types of SPMs to overcome environmental factors reducing the bioavailability and bioactivity of BCs.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFAntifungal activity of thyme () essential oil (EO) in vapor-phase was tested against representative fungi in corn tortillas. The chemical composition of studied EO was analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy, and its major components were linalool, thymol, and -cymene. The antifungal activity was evaluated by determining the growth of or after exposure to EO vapors.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFChia seeds provide a suitable environment for microorganisms. However, it is difficult to disinfect these seeds with water and/or chemical disinfectant solutions because the mucilage in the seeds can absorb water and consequently form gels. High-intensity light pulses (HILP) is one of the most promising emerging technologies for inactivating microorganisms on surfaces, in clear liquids and beverages, and on solid foods.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe antimicrobial effectiveness of essential oils (EOs) against many foodborne microorganisms when applied by direct contact has been extensively demonstrated. However, the vapor phase and volatile components present in EOs have not been thoroughly investigated; there are a small number of published reports on the antimicrobial activity of some EOs and a few of their components against selected microorganisms. It is well known that the antimicrobial activity of EOs depends mainly on their chemical composition.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe antimicrobial activities of essential oils from Mexican oregano (Lippia berlandieri Schauer), mustard (Brassica nigra), and thyme (Thymus vulgaris) were evaluated alone and in binary combinations against Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, or Salmonella Enteritidis. Chemical compositions of the essential oils were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The MICs of the evaluated essential oils ranged from 0.
View Article and Find Full Text PDF